Strong new and used import vehicle sales in February

Strong sales across both the
New Zealand new and used import vehicle sectors have made
February 2014 the best February since 2006. Passenger
vehicles, commercial vehicles and even on-road motorcycles
all experienced increased demand during the month, compared
to the same period last year.MTA spokesperson Ian
Stronach said the total New Zealand new and used imported
passenger and commercial vehicle sales of 18,886 units meant
this was the best February result since 2006. “Even
though the month was a bit slower than January, as February
tends to be, it was nevertheless another very strong
result,” he said.

Used import vehicles sales of 9,747
units were 2,465 units (34 percent) ahead of February 2013.
For the year to date, used import vehicle sales of 19,844
units were 4,736 units (31 percent) ahead of 2013.

Used
import passenger vehicle sales of 9,155 units were 2,233
units (32 percent) ahead of February 2013, making it the
best February for used import passenger vehicle sales since
2006.

Used import commercial sales of 592 units were 232
units (64 percent) ahead of the same month last year, making
this the best February for used import commercial vehicles
since 2008.

There was a change of order in terms of
leading used import passenger model, with Suzuki Swift
taking top spot with sales of 473 units, just ahead of
Nissan Tiida on 472 units and Mazda Demio on 453
units.“Ongoing economic confidence coupled with an
ever-growing pool of used vehicles that qualify for import
into New Zealand means the used import market is going from
strength to strength. It’s already starting to shade the
sales of new vehicles and shows no sign of slackening,”
Stronach said.New passenger vehicle sales of 6,572 units
were 773 units (13 percent) ahead of February 2013, while
new commercial sales of 2,567 units were 419 units (20
percent) ahead of the same month last year. For the year to
date, new vehicle sales are 1,192 units (15 percent) ahead
of 2013.

Holden proved to be something of a surprise
winner of the race amongst the new passenger car brands,
recording sales of 782 units – in front of Toyota with 762
units and Hyundai with 616 units.

In terms of individual
passenger vehicle models, Toyota Corolla led the way with
sales of 311 units, with Holden Captiva in second spot with
279 units and Suzuki Swift with 233 units.

Toyota’s
Hilux proved to be the most popular individual commercial
model with sales of 390 units, heading off Ford Ranger on
311 units and Nissan Navara with 272 units.

Motorcycle
sales also remained firm in February. On the back of strong
sales of over-60cc machines, on-road motorcycle sales of 679
units were 30 units (5 percent) ahead of February 2013. For
the year to date, sales are ahead by 208 units (17
percent).Suzuki again led with overall sales of 119
units, well ahead of Honda, on 75 units, and Harley
Davidson, on 45 units.

Rocket Lab has signed a Commercial Space Launch Act Agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The agreement enables Rocket Lab to use NASA resources - including personnel, facilities and equipment - for launch and reentry efforts. More>>

ALSO:

Reserve Bank governor Graeme Wheeler says some market commentators are predicting further declines in interest rates that would only make sense for an economy in recession, although some easing is likely to be needed to maintain New Zealand’s economic growth. More>>

Legal advice sought by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council on the Ruataniwha Dam consent conditions has confirmed that farmers who sign up to take water from the dam could be required to reduce the intensity of their farming operation to meet the catchment’s strict nitrogen limit. More>>

Health and safety law reform sparked by the Pike River coalmine disaster has been reported back from the industrial relations select committee with weakened requirements on small businesses to appoint health and safety representatives and committees. More>>

The value of fruit exported rose 20 percent (up $330 million) for the June 2015 year when compared with the year ended June 2014. Both higher prices and a greater quantity of exports (up 9.0 percent) contributed to the overall rise. More>>